effect of plant growth regulators, vermiwash and … · candyman. ph. d. thesis by samir kumar...
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EFFECT OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS,
VERMIWASH AND COW URINE ON VEGETATIVE
GROWTH, FLOWERING, CORM PRODUCTION AND VASE
LIFE OF GLADIOLUS VAR. CANDYMAN.
Ph. D. THESIS
by
SAMIR KUMAR TAMRAKAR
DEPARTMENT OF HORTICULTURE
COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE
INDIRA GANDHI KRISHI VISHWAVIDYALAYA
RAIPUR (Chhattisgarh)
2016
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EFFECT OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS,
VERMIWASH AND COW URINE ON VEGETATIVE
GROWTH, FLOWERING, CORM PRODUCTION AND VASE
LIFE OF GLADIOLUS VAR. CANDYMAN.
Thesis
Submitted to the
Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Raipur
by
SAMIR KUMAR TAMRAKAR
IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS
FOR THE DEGREE OF
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
in
AGRICULTURE
(HORTICULTURE)
Roll No. 12611 ID No. AG/88/77
FEBRUARY, 2016
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The endless thanks go to Lord Almighty for all the blessings he has
showered onto me, which has enabled me to write this last note in my
research work. During the period of my research, as in the rest of my
life, I have been blessed by Almighty with some extraordinary people
who have spun a web of support around me. Words can never be enough
in expressing how grateful I am to those incredible people in my life
that made this thesis possible.
I am deeply indebted to my major advisor; Professor Dr. Prabhakar
Singh, Professor and Head, Department of Horticulture, IGKV, Raipur
for presenting me such an interesting thesis topic. Each meeting with
him added in-valuable aspects to the implementation and broadened
my perspective. He has guided me with his in-valuable suggestions,
lightened up the way in my darkest times and encouraged me a lot in
the academic life. His enthusiasm, encouragement and faith in me
throughout this thesis have been extremely helpful. His scientific
approach and generosity without any reservation have a privilege to
work under his supervision, which he provided me despite his busy
schedule of work.
The words at my command are definitely inadequate to express my
deep sense of gratitude to member of my advisory committee Dr. Vijay
Kumar, Professor, Horticulture for his proficient guidance, co-operation,
valuable suggestions and support during my thesis work despite his
busy schedule and with his whole support this manuscript has seen this
light of the day.
It is with sincere gratitude that I wish to thank member of my
advisory committee Dr. H.C. Nanda, Dr.R.R.Saxena for the caring they
have provided. I consider it a great privilege to have associated with
some great Professors in my field of research, who showed me the road
and helped me to get started on the path of this degree. They were
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always available for my questions and gave generously of their time and
vast knowledge.
I am equally thankful to Dr. S.K. Patil, Vice Chancellor, and Dr.
S.S. Shaw, Director of Instruction and Dr. J.S. Urkurkar, Director of
Research, Shri K.C. Paikra, Registrar and Shri R.L. Ratre, Ex-
Registrar, IGKV, Raipur for his excellent support and providing me
with an excellent atmosphere for doing research.
I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my Dean Dr. S.S.
Rao, College of Agriculture, IGKV, Raipur for providing necessary
facilities and constant encouragement.
Enormous gratitude is due to Dr. S.N. Dixit, Professor. Fruit
Science, Dr Neeraj Shukla Professor and Head, Dept. of Floriculture
and Landscape Design, Dr. J Singh Professor and Head, Dept.
Vegetable Science, Dr. H.G. Sharma Professor and Academic In-charge,
Department of Horticulture and Dr. D.A. Sarnaik, Professor who has
been there for the whole of my doctoral research and has been
unstinting in his support and suggestions.
I would like to special thanks to my respected Dean sir Dr. R.B.
Tiwari, Dau Kalyan Singh Agriculture College and Research Station,
Bhatapara for proficient support and guidance, full pledged co-
operation, continued inspiration and support throughout the Ph.D.
programme.
I will be failing in my duty if I don’t acknowledge some of my
friends in the campus with whom I have shared my research
experiences since it were a joy and enlightenment to me. I am fortunate
to have a friend like Mr. T.Tirkey, who has opened his heart and his
problems to me in turn motivating me many a times.
I would like to address special thanks to my colleagues Dr.
Dhanajay Sharma, Assistant Professor, Horticulture , Mr. G.L. Sharma
Assistant Professor, Horticulture, Dr. Gourav Sharma, Assistant
Professor, Horticulture, Dr.Vijay Jain, Programme Coordinator, KVK,
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter Title Page
ACKNOWLEDGMENT i
TABLE OF CONTENTS iv
LIST OF TABLES ix
LIST OF FIGURES xii
LIST OF PLATES xiii
ABSTRACT xiv
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xx
I INTRODUCTION 1
II REVIEW OF LITERATURE 6
2.1. Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Vegetative
Growth, Quality Yields and Floral Traits of Gladiolus
including other Flower Crops.
6
2.2. Effect of Cow Urine on Vegetative Growth, Floral
Characters, Corm Production and Quality Yield in
Gladiolus and Other Flower Crops.
14
2.3. Effect of Vermiwash on Vegetative Growth, Flowering,
Corm Production and Quality Yield in Gladiolus and
Other Crops.
17
2.4. Effect of Gibberellic Acid and Salicylic acid on Vase life
of Gladiolus and other flower Crops. 19
III MATERIALS AND METHODS 24
3.1. Location of the Experimental Site 24
3.2. Geographical Situation. 24
3.3. Agro-Climatic Condition. 24
3.4 Weather conditions during crop period 24
3.5. Physico-chemical properties of soil. 25
3.6 Planting Material. 27
3.6.1. Varietal Characters of cultivar Candyman. 27
3.7 Experimental details 27
3.7.1. Preparation of Experimental Site 27
3.7.2. Planting of Corms 27
3.7.3. Layout Plan of Experiment 30
3.7.4. Manures and fertilizers 32
3.7.5. Cultural operations 32
3.7.6. Method of application of Plant Growth 32
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Regulators, Cow Urine and Vermiwash.
3.7.6.1. Preparation of stock solution of
gibberellic acid (GA3). 32
3.7.6.2. Preparation of stock solution of
salicylic acid (SA). 32
3.7.6.3. Preparation of vermiwash solution. 33
3.7.6.4. Preparation of Cow Urine solution. 33
3.7.7. Harvesting of Spikes. 33
3.7.8. Vase Life Study. 33
3.7.8.1. Collection of Floral Spikes. 35
3.7.8.2 . Vase solution 36
3.7.8.3. Light Supply. 36
3.8. Observations on Growth Parameters 36
3.8.1. Days taken to 50 per cent emergence
(Days) 36
3.8.2. Emergence Per cent (%) 36
3.8.3. Plant height (cm) 36
3.8.4. Number of leaves 37
3.8.5. Length of leaf (cm) 37
3.8.6. Width of leaf (cm) 37
3.9. Observations on floral attributes 37
3.9.1. 50% Spikes Initiation (Days). 37
3.9.2. First Flower Shows Colour or Colour Break
of First Bud (Days) 37
3.9.3. 50% spikes Show Colour (Days). 37
3.9.4. Flowering of 50% Spikes (Days) 37
3.10. Observations on yield and yield components. 37
3.10.1. Spike Length (cm). 37
3.10.2. Rachis Length (cm). 37
3.10.3. Number of florets spike-1
39
3.10.4. Flower Diameter (Basal). 39
3.10.5. Days To Basal Flower Deterioration. 39
3.10.6. Blooming period of a spike (Days). 39
3.10.7. Longevity or Durability of a spike. 39
3.10.8. Number of spikes hectare-1
. 39
3.11. Observations on corm and cormels components. 39
3.11.1. Diameter of corm (cm). 39
3.11.2. Number of Corms Plant-1
39
3.11.3. Weight of Corms Plant-1
(gm) 39
3.11.4. Number of Cormels Plant-1
39
3.11.5. Weight of Cormels Plant -1
(gm) 40
3.11.6. Number of corms hectare-1
40
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3.12. Observations on post harvest attribute. 40
3.12.1. Floret opening (%) 40
3.12.2. Deterioration of Basal Florets Started
(days). 40
3.12.3. Number of Floret opened at a time. 40
3.12.4. Diameter of Florets (Basal). 40
3.12.5. Vase Life (Days). 40
3.13. Economics of Gladiolus Var. Candyman Cultivation. 41
3.14. Statistical Analysis. 41
IV EXPRIMENTAL FINDINGS AND DISCUSSION 44
4.1. Effect of PGR, cow urine and vermiwash on vegetative
growth. 44
4.1.1. Days Taken to 50 per cent emergence. 44
4.1.2. Emergence Per cent 49
4.1.3. Plant Height (cm). 55
4.1.4. Length of leaf (cm). 60
4.1.5. Number of Leaves Plant -1
. 63
4.1.6. Width of Leaf (cm). 66
4.1.7. Discussion Vegetative Growth Parameters. 69
4.1.7.1. Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on
vegetative Parameters of Gladiolus
cv. Candyman.
69
4.1.7.2. Effect of cow urine on Vegetative
Parameters of Gladiolus cv.
Candyman.
72
4.1.7.3. Effect of vermiwash on Vegetative
Parameters of Gladiolus cv.
Candyman
73
4.1.7.4. Effect of interactions of Plant
Growth Regulators, Cow Urine and
Vermiwash on Vegetative
Parameters of Gladiolus
cv. Candyman
74
4.2. Effect of PGR, Cow Urine and Vermiwash on Floral
Attributes. 75
4.2.1. 50 per cent Spike Initiation (Days) 76
4.2.2. First Flower Shows Colour (Days) / Colour
Break in First Floret (Days) 80
4.2.3. 50 per cent Spikes Show Floret Colour (Days) 82
4.2.4. Flowering of 50 per cent Spikes (Days). 87
4.2.5 Spike Length (cm) 91
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4.2.6. Rachis length (cm) 96
4.2.7. Flower Diameter (basal) 100
4.2.8. Longevity of Basal Floret (Days) 103
4.2.9. Number of Florets Spike-1
106
4.2.10. Days To Full Bloom of a Spike 109
4.2.11. Durability of a Spike (Days) 113
4.2.12. Number of Spikes Hectare-1
116
4.2.13. Discussion on Floral Parameters 120
4.2.13.1. Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on
Flowering Parameters of
Gladiolus cv. Candyman.
120
4.2.13.2. Effect of Cow Urine on Flower
Parameters of Gladiolus
cv. Candyman
124
4.2.13.3. Effect of vermiwash on Flower
Parameters of Gladiolus cv.
Candyman
126
4.2.13.4. Effect of interactions of plant
growth regulators, cow urine
and vermiwash on Flower
parameters of Gladiolus cv.
Candyman.
128
4.3. Effect of PGRs, cow urine and vermiwash on corm
parameters. 129
4.3.1. Diameter of Corm (cm) 129
4.3.2. Weight of corms plant-1
(g) 133
4.3.3. Number of Corms Plant-1
136
4.3.4. Weight of Cormels Plant -1
137
4.3.5. Number of Cormels Plant-1
139
4.3.6. Number of Corms Hectare-1
141
4.3.7. Discussion on corm parameters 145
4.3.7.1. Effect of Plant Growth Regulators
on Corm Parameters of Gladiolus
cv. Candyman
145
4.3.7.2. Effect of cow urine on corm
parameters of gladiolus cv.
Candyman
146
4.3.7.3. Effect of vermiwash on corm
parameters of gladiolus cv.
Candyman
147
4.4. Effect of PGRs, cow urine and vermiwash on post harvest
studies. 147
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4.4.1. Deterioration of Flower Started
(Longevity of Basal Florets) 147
4.4.2. Floret Diameter (cm)/Basal Floret Diameter in
Vase 151
4.4.3. Number of Florets opened at a time per
spikes 154
4.4.4. Floret Opening per cent. 155
4.4.5. Vase life of cut spikes 158
4.4.6. Discussion on Post Harvest Parameter 162
4.4.6.1. Effect of plant growth regulators
on post harvest parameters of
gladiolus cv. Candyman
162
4.4.6.2. Effect of cow urine and vermiwash
on post harvest parameters on
gladiolus cv. Candyman
164
4.5. Economics of gladiolus production 165
4.5.1. Cost of Cultivation 165
4.5.2. Gross Return (Rs. ha-1
) 165
4.5.3. Net Return (Rs. ha-1
) 166
4.5.4. Cost: Benefit 167
4.5.5. Discussion on economics of gladiolus
production 167
V SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 171
5.1. Effect of plant growth regulators on gladiolus cv.
Candyman 171
5.2. Effect of cow urine on gladiolus cv. Candyman 174
5.3. Effect of vermiwash on gladiolus cv. Candyman 175
5.4. Economics 176
5.5. Conclusion 177
5.6. Suggestion for Future Research Works 178
VI REFERENCES 179
VII APPENDIX 194
Appendix A 194
Appendix B 195
Appendix C 196
Appendix D 196
Appendix E 197
VITA 199
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LIST OF TABLES
Table Title Page No.
1 Physico-chemical analysis of the experimental soil 25
2 Experimental details 28
3 Treatments details 28
4 Treatment combinations imposed into th field. 29
5 Salient feature of the growth regulators used in experiment 34
6 ANNOVA Table 41
7 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on days taken to 50 per cent emergence.
46
7.1 Interaction effect of plant growth regulators x cow urine on
days taken to 50% emergence.
47
8 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on emergence per cent
51
8.1 Interaction effect of plant growth regulators x cow urine on
emergence per cent.
52
8.2 Interaction effect of plant growth regulators x cow urine x
vermiwash on emergence per cent.
54
9 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on plant height
57
9.1 Interaction effect of plant growth regulators x cow urine x
vermiwash on plant height
58
10 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on length of leaf
61
11 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on number of leaves
64
12 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on width of 3rd
leaves
67
13 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on days taken to 50% spike initiation
77
13.1 Interaction effect of plant growth regulators x cow urine x
vermiwash on 50% spike initiation.
78
14 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on first flower shows colour
81
15 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on colour show of 50% spikes.
84
15.1 Interaction effect of plant growth regulators x cow urine x
vermiwash on 50% buds show colour
85
16 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on flowering of 50% spikes.
88
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16.1 Interaction effect of plant growth regulators x cow urine x
vermiwash on flowering of 50% spikes.
89
17 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on spike length
93
17.1 Interaction effect of plant growth regulators x cow urine x
vermiwash on spike length
94
18 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on rachis length
97
18.1 Interaction effect of plant growth regulators x cow urine x
vermiwash on rachis length
98
19 Effects of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on diameter of basal flower
101
20 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on shelf life of basal floret
104
21 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on number of florets spikes-1
.
107
22 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on
full bloom of a spike
110
23 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on longevity/flowering duration
114
24 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on number of spikes hectare-1
117
24.1 Interaction effect of plant growth regulators x cow
urine on number of spikes hectare -1
118
25 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on diameter of corm
131
26 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on weight of corms plant-1
134
27 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on number of corms plant-1
136
28 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on weight of cormels.
138
29 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on number of cormels plant-1
140
30 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on number of corms hectare-1
143
30.1 Interaction effect of plant growth regulators x cow urine on
number of corms hectare -1
144
31 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on shelf life of basal flower
149
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32 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on diameter of basal flower
152
33 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on floret opens at a time.
154
34 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on floret opening.
156
35 Effect of plant growth regulators, cow urine and vermiwash
on vase life
159
36 Economics of gladiolus production as affected by different
treatments of plant growth regulators, cow urine and
vermiwash
169
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Title Page
1.0 Weekly Meteorological data of Raipur (C.G.) from September
2011 to June 2012 25
2 .0 Weekly Meteorological data of Raipur (C.G.) from September
2012 to June 2013 25
3.0 Days taken for 50 per cent emergence (days) 48
4.0 Emergence per cent after 30 days of planting 53
5.0 Plant height at 60 DAP (cm) 59
6.0 Length of 3rd leaf after 60 DAP (cm) 62
7.0 Number of leaf after 60 days of planting 65
8 .0 Width of 3rd
Leaf at 60 DAP (cm). 68
9.0 Days taken for 50 per cent spike initiation (days) 79
10.0 Days taken for colour break of 50 per cent spikes (days) 86
11.0 Flowering of 50 per cent spikes (days) 90
12 .0 Spike Length (cm) 95
13.0 Rachis length (cm) 99
14.0 Diameter of basal flower (cm) 102
15.0 Longevity of basal flower in field (days) 105
16.0 Number of florets spike-1
108
17.0 Full bloom of a spike (days) 112
18.0 Durability of a spike (days) 115
19.0 Number of spikes hectare-1
119
20.0 Diameter of corm plant-1
(cm) 132
21.0 Weight of corm plant-1
(gm) 135
22.0 Number of corms hectare-1
142
23.0 Longevity of basal flower in vase (days) 150
24.0 Diameter of basal flower in vase (cm) 153
25.0 Floret opening in vase (%) 157
26.0 Vase life of cut spikes (days). 160
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LIST OF PLATES
Plate Title Page
1.0 A general view of experimental plot. 31
2.0 A view of Planting of corms in bed 31
3.0 Placement of spike in vase 38
4.0 View of harvest stage of cut spikes kept in vase 38
5.0 A view of measurement of plant height. 38
6.0 A view of measurement of length of 3rd
leaf. 43
7.0 A view of measurement of width of 3rd
leaf. 43
8.0 A view of end of vase life. 43
9.0 T12 (GA3 @ 200 ppm+ cow urine @ 10% + vermiwash @
10%) increased the blooming period of a spike as compared
to control (Water Spray).
111
10.0 Salicylic acid increased diameter of basal floret as
compared to control (water spray).
111
11.0 Difference of Vase Life between Control and Treatment T20
(SA @100 alongwith cow urine and vermiwash each @10%).
161
12.0 Varing effect of different treatments on post harvest post
harvest attributes.
161
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planting soaking of corms (24 hours) followed by two foliar sprays each at 30 and 60 days
after planting of corm.
GA3 at all three concentrations i.e. 100, 200 and 300 ppm resulted in significant
improvement on all vegetative parameters in comparison to salicylic acid and control (water
spray) during both the years (2011-12 & 2012-13). Earliest 50 per cent emergence of plant
(6.96 days) and highest emergence per cent (96.67 per cent) were recorded with application
of GA3 200 ppm followed by its lower concentration i.e. 100 ppm; exhibiting 4.21 days
earlier 50 per cent emergence and 18.4 per cent increased emergence of plants in
comparison to control i.e. water spray (11.17 days and 81.68 per cent.) in the present study.
The similar treatment i.e. GA3 200 ppm significantly contributed towards highest
improvement in various vegetative parameters at both the stages of plant growth at 30 and
60 DAP i.e. increase in plant height (60.97 cm & 88.45 cm, resp.) number of leaf (4.71 &
7.91, resp.), length of 3rd
leaf (46.22 cm & 56.70 cm, resp.) and increased width of 3rd
leaf
(3.80 cm) at 30 DAP. GA3 @ 200 ppm further improved the most of floral attributes and
resulted in significantly highest values of these parameters i.e. earliest 50 per cent spike
initiation (67.32 days), first (69.50) and colour breaks of 50 per cent spikes (73.56 days),
50 per cent flowering (75.93 days), longest spikes (71.60 cm) and rachis (54.98 cm),
durability (14.37 days) and blooming period a spike (9.57 days) and maximum number of
florets spike-1
(14.40 ) and spikes ha-1
(159325.58). The largest basal florets (13.92 cm) and
maximum longevity of basal floret (4.10 days) was recorded under SA @ 100 ppm.
Maximum size (6.48 cm) and weight (66.26 gm) of corm and weight of cormels
(19.17 gm) was recorded under GA3 300 ppm. Obviously the size and weight of corm and
cormels was significantly enhanced with the increased levels of GA3. However, GA3 at 200
ppm resulted in maximum number of cormels (34.29) as well as corms ha-1
(159325.58).
SA @ 100 ppm was recorded to be an outstanding treatment in improving post
harvest floral attributes i.e. maximum floret opening per cent (89.86 per cent) contributed in
33.81 per cent more value of this trait in comparison to control. Beside, the similar
treatment i.e. SA 100 ppm significantly exhibited largest basal floret (10.67cm), maximum
longevity of basal floret (5.01 days) and maximum vase life of cult spikes (10.88 days).
Application of cow urine at both the levels each i.e. 5 and 10 per cent were found
helpful in improving all vegetative, floral, corm and post harvest parameters over control,
but both the treatments did not differ significantly with each other in improving all the
attributes. Both the levels (5 and 10 per cent) of cow urine and vermiwash resulted
significantly earlier 50 per cent emergence of corms, increased emergence of plants, plant
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xvi
height, length and number of leaf at 30 and 60 DAP and width of leaf at 60 DAP; earlier 50
per cent initiation, first and 50 per cent colour break, 50 per cent flowering; increased length
of spikes and rachis, durability of a spike and flowering duration, diameter of basal floret
and number of spikes hectare1, beside this increasing the diameter of corm, weight and
number of corm and cormels plant-1
as well as hectare-1
in comparison to control (water
spray) treatment. The similar treatments of cow urine and vermiwash at both the levels also
exhibited significant improvement in different post harvest parameters i.e. per cent opened
flower in vase, diameter of basal floret, shelf life and vase life of cut spikes as compared to
control.
Interaction of PGR X CU significantly affected the days required for 50 per cent
emergence of corms, emergence of plants, number of spikes and corms hectare-1
. Treatment
combination of P2 x C2 (gibberellic acid 200 ppm X cow urine @10%) resulted
significantly earliest 50 per cent of corm emergence (6.83 days), highest corm emergence
(97.86 per cent), maximum number of spikes and corms per hectare (161111.13).
The interactive effect between PGR X CU X VW brought further improvements in
vegetative, floral and corm parameters which showed synergetic effect among PGR,CU
and VW and significantly affected the emergence percentage of corms, plant height at 60
DAP, 50 per cent spike initiation, colour break and flowering, length of spike and rachis.
The treatment combination T12 (gibberellic acid 200 ppm +cow urine @10% + vermiwash
@ 10%) resulted maximum emergence of plants (98.57%), maximum plant height at 60
DAP (89.89cm), longest spike (71.99cm) and rachis (55.50cm) and earliest 50 per cent
spike emergence (66.32days), 50 per cent buds show colour (72.73 days) was recorded in T5
(gibberellic acid 200 ppm + cow urine @ 5% + vermiwash @ 5%) while earliest 50 per cent
flowering (75.18 days) was found in T9 (gibberellic acid 200 ppm +cow urine @ 5% +
vermiwash @ 5%).
Considering the economics of cultivation of gladiolus cv. Candyman, the highest net
realization of Rs. 5,77,485 hectare-1
was obtained with treatment combination of T12 (GA3
200 + cow urine 10% + vermiwash 10% ppm) but the highest cost : benefit ratio (1:1.81)
was observed with treatments combination of T5 (GA3 100 + cow urine 5% + vermiwash
5%) , T7 (GA3 100 + cow urine 10% + vermiwash 5% ) and (1 : 1.80) in T12 (GA3 200 +
cow urine 10% + vermiwash 10% ppm) and these combinations may be used to fetch
higher yield with better quality of produce for this region.
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xviii
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24 ?kaVs Mqckdj iz{ks= esa yxk;k x;kA mUgh ?kksyks dk 30 ,oa 60 fnuks ds ckn i.khZ;
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Lrj 100] 200 ,oa 300 ih-ih-,e- ij ikS/kks dh okuLifrd o`f) ds fy, vf/kd vuqdqy
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dk vf/kdre vadqj.k izfr”kr ( 96-67 izfr”kr ), ikS/kks dh mpkbZ (60-97 ,oa 88 lsaeh-),
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fnuks ds i”pkr ,oa ifRr;ks dh vf/kdre pkSM+kbZ (3-80 lsa-eh. 60 fnuks ds i”pkr) 200
ih-ih-,e- ftcszfyd vEy ds mipkj ds vUrxrZ ik;h x;hA
ikS/kks ds okafNr iq’i.k xq.kksa tSls 50 iq’idyh dk “kh?kz m)Fku (67-32 fnu),
iq’i.k esa “kh?kzrk (75.93 fnu), iq’Ikdyh (71-60 lsaeh-) ,oa iq’ixqPN (55-50 lsaeh-) dh
vf/kdre dh yEckbZ], iq’idyh dk vf/kdre thoudky (14-37 lsa-eh-), iq’i.k dh
vf/kdre vof/k (9-57 fnu), iq’idyh dh izfr gsDVs;j (159325-58) vf/kdre mit
200 ih-ih-,e- ftcszfyd vEy ds mipkj ds vUrxrZ izkIr gqbZA
iq’iks dk vf/kdre vkdkj (14-40 lsa-eh-) ,oa iq’i dk thou dky (4-10fnu) 100
ih-ih-,e- lsfyflfyd vEy ds mipkj esa ik;h x;h A ;?kkfi ftcszfyd vEy ds 300 ih-
ih-,e ds mipkj ds }kjk cM+s vkdkj ds (6-48 ls-eh) ,oa otuh (66-26 xzke ) dan izkIr
gq, rFkkfi izfr gsDVs;j danks dh vf/kdre la[;k (159325-58) ftcszfyd vEy ds 200
ih-ih-,e- ds mipkj ds varxrZ ik;h x;khA
iq’i dfy;ks ds rqMkbZ i”pkr v/;;u esa xqynku thoudky esa okafNr xq.kksa esa
o`f) ds fy, lsfyflfyd vEy vf/kd izHkkoh ik;k x;kA dVs gq, iq’i Mkfy;kks esa rqMkbZ
i”pkr ds xq.ks tSls iq’i Mkfy;ksa esa vf/kdre Qwy [kqyus dk izfr”kr (89-89 izfr”kr)
iq’iks dk vkdkj (10-67 ls-eh-) ,oa vf/kdre thoudky (10-88 fnu) 100 ih-ih-,e-
lsfyflfyd vEy ds mipkj ls izkIr gqbZA
xkSeq= ,oa oehZok”k ds 2&2 Lrjks ds chp vkil esa dksbZ Hkh fHkUurk ugha ik;h
x;hA ;?kkfi xkSeq= ,oa oehZo”k ds nksuks Lrjks ds mipkj ls fdLe dsUMhesu ds lHkh
okuLifrd] iq’i.k] danksa dk mRiknu ,oa rqMkbZ ds i”pkr ds oakfaNr xq.kks esa fcuk
mipkfjr mipkj (ikuh fNMdko)dh vis{kk c
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xix
10 izfr”kr xkSeq= ,oa 200 ih-ih-,e- ftcszfyd vEy dk ikjLifjd izHkko daUnksa
ds “kh?kz vadqj.k] vkf/kdre vadqj.k {kerk] iq’Ikdkfydk ,oa danks ds izfr gsDVs;j vf/kd
mRiknu ds fy, mi;qDr ik;k x;kA
blh izdkj ftcszfyd vEy 200 ih-ih-,e $ xkSeq= 10 izfr”kr $ 10 izfr”kr
dspqvk dh rjy [kkn ds ikjLifjd izHkko ds ifj.kkeLo:Ik ls vf/kdrde vadqj.k {kerk]
ikS/kks dh mpkbZ] iq’idkfydk ,oa xqPN dh yEckbZ loksZRre izkIr gqbZ]A 200ih-ih-,e-
ftcszfyd vEy $ 5 izfr”kr xkSeq= $ 5 izfr”kr oehZok”k “kh?kz iq’i mRiknu ds fy,
loksZRre ik;k x;k A
v/;;u ds vuqlkj vf/kdre “kq) vk; ¼:- 5]77]485 çfr gsŒ½] ,oe vf/kDre
ykxr : ykHk vuqikr ¼1%1-81½ 200 ih-ih-,e- ftcszfyd vEy $ 5 izfr”kr xkSeq= $ 5
izfr”kr oehZok”k la;kstu ls izkIr fd;k x;k A
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xx
LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS
% : Per cent
@ : At the rate of
µM : Micro molar
ANNOVA : Analysis of Variance
ASA : Acetylsalicylic Acid
B:C : Benefit Cost Ratio
BA : 6-Benzyladynine.
C.G. : Chhattisgarh State
CCC : Chlormequat Chloride
CD : Critical difference
cm. : Centimeter
CU : Cow Urine
cv./cvs : Cultivar (s)
CW : Coconut Water
DAP : Days After Planting
df : Degree of Freedom
et al. : et alii (and others)
etc. : and other things
FYM : Farm Yard Manure
g/gm. : Gram/grams
GA3 : Gibberellic Acid
ha-1
: Per hectare
hr (s) : Hour (s)
i.e. : That is
IAA : Indole-3-acetic acid, a synthetic auxin.
IBA : Indole-3-bytric acid, a synthetic auxin.
IGKV : Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya
Kg : Kilogram
Kin. : Kinetin
m/ mt : Meter
mg : Milligram
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xxi
mg/l mgl-1
: milligrams per liter
MH : Malic Hydrazide
ml : milliliter
mMol l-1
: mill mol per liter.
MOP : Muriate of Potash
NAA : α- Naphthalene acetic acid, a synthetic auxin.
NPK : Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash
oC : Degree Celsius
PGR (s) : Plant Growth Regulator (s)
pM : Pico Molar
ppm : part per millions
q/h (q h-1
) : Quintal per hectare
QFC : Qualigens Fine Chemicals
RDF : Recommended Dose of Fertilizers
resp. : Respectively
Rs. : Rupees
SA : Salicylic Acid
SSP : Single Super Phosphate
TIBA : Tri iodobenzoic Acid
TU : Thio Urea
var. : Variety
viz. : For Example
VW : Vermiwash
wt. : Weight
http://www.endmemo.com/sconvert/mol_m3pm.phphttps://books.google.co.in/books?id=O5OaXwAACAAJ&dq=TIBA&hl=en&sa=X&ei=zJlqVeveHoeb8QW69YPABA&ved=0CDgQ6AEwBQ
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CHAPTER-I
INTRODUCTION
Flowers speak the universal language of love and emotions. They are
symbolic exchanged on occasion of joy and sorrow. Throughout the history of
mankind, flowers have been closely associated with day to day life of human.
Description of flowers and beautiful gardens are found in epics and historical
treatises Rig Veda, Ramayana and Mahabharata. Importance of flower is mirrored
with the fact that they are needed from cradle to coffin. India has a long tradition of
floriculture, However, for the last few years, with changing life style and increased
urban affluence, people have also shown interest in ornamental plants and specially
cut flowers so that floriculture has assumed a definite commercial status in recent
times and it has emerged as an important agri-business venture. The offering and
exchange of flowers on all social occasions, in places of worship and their use for
adornment of hair by women and for home decoration have become an integral
part of human living.
Gladiolus is a very popular, important commercially grown bulbous
flowering plant with its magnificent inflorescence belonging to family Iridaceae.
Gladiolus is known by a number of names like, Gladiolii, Gladiola, Glades, Sword
lily and Gladiolus. The gladiolus has a long and noble history. The latin word
„Gladius‟ means sword and hence it is often called as „sword lily‟ because of the
shape of its leaves. The genus Gladiolus contains about 260 species, of which 250
are native to sub-Saharan Africa, mostly South Africa. About 10 species are native
to Eurasia. There are 160 species of Gladiolus endemic in southern Africa and 76
in tropical Africa. The flowers of unmodified wild species vary from very small to
perhaps 40 mm across and inflorescences bearing anything from one to several
flowers with more than 30,000 cultivars of which many of them were used as
seasonal flowering plants in gardens and exhibition etc. Most of these species are
native to Mediterranean region and tropical part of South Africa, particularly the
region of the „Cape of Good Hope‟. It was introduced into cultivation towards the
end of 16th century. However, in India its cultivation dates back to 19th century.
(Wikipedia a).
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2
Gladiolus has special position among the bulbous plants because of its
attractive and long inflorescence having florets of huge forms, dazzling colours,
longer vase life and suitability of packing for transportation. It is glamorous flower
without which no garden will look complete and mainly grown for its magnificent
spikes, useful both as cut flower and for garden display.
The variety of climate found in different parts of India makes it possible to
grow this flower round the year in one parts or other. The major growing areas in
India are Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), Shimla, Solan and Katrain (Himachal
Pradesh), Massorie, Soopi, Nainital and Chaubatia (Uttaranchal Pradesh),
Kalimpong, Kalaghat and Darjeeling (West Bengal), Pune (Maharashtra), Shilong
(Meghalaya), Jorhat (Assam), Chandigarh, Rohtak, Samalakhan and Bahadurgarh
(Haryana), Luknow, Gaziabad, Meerut, Kanpur and Bulandshahar (Uttar Pradesh),
Delhi and Mumbai have emerged as new flower growing areas (Sindhu and Singh,
1997)
In India, area about 255.0 thousand hectare were under cultivation in
floriculture with production of 1754 thousand MT of loose flowers and
543 thousand MT of cut flowers in 2014-15. Out of which, gladiolus cultivated in
about 11.67 thousand hectare with production of 50.70 thousand MT of loose
flowers and 92.86 thousand MT of cut flowers. However, in Chhattisgarh, the area
under the floriculture was 10130 hectare with production of 457300 MT Gladiolus
is cultivated in 1870 hectare with the production of 5770 metric tons (Anonymous
2015)
Gladiolus is the most important cut flower crop in the country and rank
third in Chhattisgarh in case of area. Earlier, it was considered a crop for temperate
region and its growing was restricted to the hilly areas, particularly in the north
eastern region, which still continues to supply the planting material to most of the
parts of the country. However, with improved agronomic techniques and better
management, there is enormous scope in Chhattisgarh, for cut flower spikes as
well as for corm production (planting materials).
Flower growers of this region are growing the marigold crop commercially
as it is relatively hardy crop to grow. Now-a-days, increased demand of cut flowers
in the market due to its usage in flower arrangements and bouquet making and
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3
enhancement in purchasing power capacity of large section of society encourages
the Chhattisgarh farmer‟s engaged in floriculture to grow cut flowers for profitable
business. Among cut flowers, gladiolus is the most popular ornamental crop due to
their elegant attractive spikes of different hues and long vase life. But very few
farmers of this region are growing gladiolus commercially as large numbers of
farmers are not aware about production technology of this crop. On other hand,
planting material of this crop is also not available in required quantity even though
the farmers are interested. Beside the above two reasons, the high cost of planting
materials is also one of the factors which discourage the farmers to grow this crop.
Plant growth regulators played a vital role in enhancing the floriculture
industry. The application of plant growth regulators is one of the most important
factors in improving the growth, yield and flower quality (Nuvale et al., 2010).
Growth regulating chemicals were reported to be very effective in manipulating
growth and flowering in gladiolus. Growth and development are to be regulated
either by a single or by interaction of several hormones. They play major role in
directing the movement of organic metabolites and in establishing the sink. The
use of growth regulating chemicals in gladiolus as foliar spray is expected to
reduce the long vegetative phase and enhance the flowering. Furthermore, it may
help in regulating plant characters and better quality of cut flower production by
directing the movement of organic metabolites.
Gibberellic acid (GA3) are well known for stimulating corm sprouting plant
height (Mohanty et al., 1994, Taiz and Zeiger, 2002), elongation and increase in
number of leaves (Sano, 1975), increase the length or height of plants, number of
flowers and induce early flowering (Taiz and Zeiger, 2002), improving quality of
spikes and flowers (Misra et al., 1996) and increasing self and vase life of
inflorescence (Mahesh and Misra, 1993).
Salicylic acid (SA) is part of a signaling pathway that is induced by a
number of biotic and abiotic stresses. It has been recognized as an endogenous
regulatory signal in plants mediating plant defense against pathogens (Raskin,
1992). Salicylic acid belongs to a group of phenolic compounds that widely exists
in plants and now a days is considered as a hormone-like substance. This acid also
plays an important role in plant growth and development (Mazaheri and
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4
Manochehri, 2007), stomatal closure, ion uptake, inhibition of ethylene
biosynthesis and transpiration (Shakirova et al, 2003). The effect of salicylic acid
on the physiological processes is variable depending on its concentration, plant
species, developmental stages and environmental conditions (El-Mergawi and
Abdel-Wahed, 2004).
The cow urine, besides providing nutrients like potassium and substances
beneficial to the plants, is a cheap input and easy to acquire by the rural producer.
It is known to have beneficial effect on germination, growth components viz., plant
height, number of leaves, leaf area and yield components like number of grains,
tiller number, grain weight and yield of crops. This has been attributed to the fact
that cow urine contains physiologically active substances viz., growth regulators,
nutrients (Josef and Nair, 1989; Chawla, 1986) and trace elements (Munoz, 1988).
Vermiwash is the watery extract of vermicompost, extracted in the presence
of rich population of earthworms. It contains several enzymes, plant growth
hormones like, auxin, cytokinine, vitamins along with micro and macronutrients
like, phosphorus, potassium calcium etc and mucus of earthworms and microbes
which increases the resistance power of crops against various diseases and enhance
the growth and productivity of crops (Sivasubramanian and Ganeshkumar, 2004;
Rai and Bansiwal, 2008). Vermiwash plays an important role in the plant growth
and development; contribute to initiation of rooting, root growth, plant
development, promotion of growth rate and improvement in crop production
increasing the soil organic matter and increase in nutrient content which are readily
available for the plants, resulting in good crop yield (Wareing, 1982; Scott, 1984;
Sivasubramanian and Ganeshkumar, 2004). Growth of ornamental plant after
adding vermiwash showed similar growth pattern as with addition of auxin,
gibberellins and cytokinine through the soil. (Grappelli et al.1987 and Tomati et al.
1995).
Any attempt made to encourage cut flower production in the region not
only helps the florists and consumers to get fresh and quality cut flowers regularly
but also helps the small and marginal farmers in the region to improve their
economic condition. Keeping in view the above mentioned role of synthetic and
bio-growth substances on various morphological and floral attributes of cut
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5
flowers, present investigation was carried out to investigate the appropriate
concentration and combination of these growth substances for better growth,
flowering and corm production in gladiolus under Chhattisgarh conditions
Popularity of this crop as a cut flower is increasing day by day because of
its keeping quality and in exhaustive range of colours of the spikes. This flower
crop possesses a great potential for export market especially during winter.
Considering the importance of popularity of the gladiolus both in Indian market as
well as in foreign market, the availability of gladiolus flower in large quantities
over wider period of the year is of great significance. Development of better
quality blooms and corms with addition of low cost has meager amount in input
cost was the main theme of this experiment. Keeping in view the above facts, the
present study was undertaken with following objectives:
i. To find out the effect of plant growth regulators (GA3 and Salicylic Acid) on
growth, flower and corm production in gladiolus.
ii. To find out the effect of cow urine on growth, flower and corm production
in gladiolus.
iii. To find out the effect of vermiwash on growth, flower and corm production
in gladiolus.
iv. To find out the effect of plant growth regulators, vermiwash, cow urine on
post harvest longevity of flowers.
v. To workout the economics and feasibility of different plant growth
regulator, cow urine and vermiwash in relation to their effect.
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CHAPTER II
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
The investigation was carried out on gladiolus cv. Candyman to study the
effect of levels (concentrations) of gibberellic acid, salicylic acid, cow urine and
vermiwash on various parameters i.e. emergence, plant growth, flowering, corm
production and vase life. The available literatures on this aspect have been
reviewed in this chapter under following heads.
Plant growth regulators are the organic chemical compounds which modify
or regulate physiological processes in an appreciable measure in plants when used
in small concentrations. They are readily absorbed and move rapidly through
tissues when applied to different parts of the plant. Generally, it has been accepted
that many plant processes (including senescence) are controlled through a balance
between plant hormones interacting with each other and with other internal factors
(Mayak and Halevy, 1980). The reports indicate that the growth and yield of
gladiolus was enhanced by application of GA3, SA, CU and VW (Umrao et al.
2008, Rana et al. 2005, Naveen et al. 2006 and Ramachandraudu and Thangam,
2007, Sivasubramanian and Ganeshkumar; 2004). Hence the present study was
conducted to find the effect of growth regulators on growth, flowering and corm
production of Gladiolus grandiflorus L. cv. “Candyman”. Relevant findings on this
aspect are described below.
2.1. Effect of Plant Growth Regulators on Vegetative Growth, Quality Yields
and Floral Traits of Gladiolus including other Flower Crops.
Kirad et al. (2001) reported that in gladiolus spp. cv. White Prosperity, the
earliest sprouting was obtained with GA3 @ 100 ppm, while sprouting was delayed
under CCC treatment and in the control. CCC at 6000 ppm as dipping and spraying
treatment resulted in the maximum number of shoots. GA at 100 ppm (dipping and
spraying) resulted in the highest leaf number. The tallest plant resulted in the
treatment with GA at 100 ppm (dipping and spraying).
Prasad et al. (2002) found that GA3 at 250 ppm as pre-planting treatments
increased plant height significantly and its effect at 500 ppm was most pronounced
in increasing number of leaves in gladiolus cv. Friendship. Cultivar Deciso
recorded the widest leaves (4.8 cm) with 250 ppm GA3 and leaves were narrowest
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7
(2.8 cm) in Bright Eye. An earlier spike emergence resulted upon treatment with
500 ppm GA3 compared with the control. GA3 at both the concentrations increased
length of spike. Treatment with 500 ppm GA3 recorded the maximum length of
spike (51.2 cm) in Tropic Seas. Treatment with 250 ppm GA3 recorded the highest
spike diameter in both White Goddess and Deciso cultivars. Upon treatment with
250 ppm GA3, American Beauty had the longest florets.
Singh et al. (2002) revealed that among different concentrations of GA3 i.e.
0, 25, 50 and 75 ppm, all parameters showed improvement with increasing level of
GA3. GA3 at 75 ppm recorded the lowest number of days for sprouting (4.66) and
the highest percentage of cormels sprouted (78.14 per cent), plant height before
spike emergence (34.13 cm), number of leaves (7.08), neck diameter (0.96 cm),
number of corms plant-1
(0.98), corm weight (20.92 g), corm diameter (3.56 cm),
number of cormels plant-1
(4.50), cormel weight (1.34 g), cormel weight plant-1
(5.91 g) and cormel diameter (1.28 cm).
Raja ram and Mukerjee (2002) observed that GA3 at 100 ppm increased the
growth of corms and cormels of Friendship, Priscilla and Video cultivars of
Gladiolus spp.
Maurya and Nagda (2002) observed that foliar application of GA at 100
ppm resulted in the highest plant height (104.5 cm), number of leaves (8.5 plant-1
),
spike length (98.3 cm), number of florets (16.7 per spike), size of second florets
(10.8 cm) and number of spikes plant-1
(1.73). The highest floret opening longevity
or survival was obtained with Cycocel at 1000 ppm.
Gaur et al. (2003) indicated that GA3 @ 200 ppm improved plant height,
number and size (width and length) of leaves, thickness and width of shoots;
promoted earliness in spike emergence, colour break in the first floret and
flowering; increased the length of spikes, number of florets per spike, size of
florets and longevity of spikes, increased the vase life of cut flowers and the
number, weight and diameter of corms and cormels.
Kumar and Singh (2005) noticed that pre-planting soaking of corms with
growth regulators significantly influenced the most of the growth, flowering and
yield parameters in gladiolus cv. Congo Song. Treatment with gibberellic acid was
found better than ethrel. Soaking of corms with GA3 hastened the corm sprouting,
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8
scaping and colour break in basal floret, increased the leaf width, girth of plant and
spike, size and placement of floret and vase life of cut spike. GA3 also increased
the number of fresh flowers at a time, yield of spikes hectare-1
and size and yield of
corms. GA3 at higher level resulted in the earliest sprouting of corm as well as
spike emergence, thickest plant, longer floret and vase life of cut spike and higher
yield of spikes and daughter corms hectare-1
. The numbers of leaves plant-1
(6.38)
were increased due to application of plant growth regulators over control (5.38).
Pre planting soaking of corms with plant growth regulators increased plant height
significantly over control (46.16 cm). Treatment with GA3 produced significantly
taller plants (50.66 cm).It was reported that the cumulative effect of PGR
significantly delayed spike emergence (77.95 days) over control (78.36 days).
However among different levels of GA3, the higher dose (150 ppm) resulted in the
earliest spike emergence (74.81 days).Corms treated with PGRs resulted in
significantly more flowering duration (12.73 days) than untreated ones
(11.08 days). GA3 resulted longer durability of spike (13.90 days) in comparison to
control (11.08 days) and it was maximum (14.11 days) in GA3 50 ppm .More
number of florets per spike (14.65) were significantly higher in treatments with
GA3 than control (13.23) and it was maximum in 150 ppm of GA3. Treatment with
GA3 produced significantly longer spike (59.19 cm) than control (55.53 cm) when
corms were dipped in solution of PGR before planting. Pre planting treatment of
mother corms with PGR resulted in significantly more number (1.85) of corms per
plant over control (1.66). GA3 (50 ppm) produced the larger size of corm (5.31 cm)
over control (4.65 cm) and application of GA3 also increased the weight
(49.30 g) of corm than control (37.73g).
Rana et al. (2005) reported that foliar spray with GA3 @ 100 ppm proved
to be the best in improving plant height, number of leaves plant−1
,days to
flowering, numbers of spikes, spike length, rachis length, numbers of florets
spike−1
, flower duration, number of corm plant-1
and corm weight in gladiolus cv.
Candyman. They also observed significant decreased values in most of the above
mentioned attributes with increased concentration of GA3 and suggested that it
might have been due to adverse effect of GA3 at higher concentration.
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9
Naveen et al. (2006) reported that salicylic acid recorded less number of
days for flowering (76.67 days) and highest flowering percentage (83.12 per cent)
in gladiolus cv. „Phule Prerna and Phule Ganesh. Spike length (95.50cm), number
of florets spike-1
(12.17), size of second floret (10.25 cm), number of corms
(15.83 ) and number of big (>1.0 cm) corms (62.33 ), number of small (
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10
(2.33 and 2.13), number of corms plant-1
(57.16 and 48.22), weight of corms
(47.95 and 49.21 g) and vase life (14.33 and 13.70 day) were recorded with GA3 @
200 ppm in gladiolus cv. Red Beauty.
Devi et al. (2007) in a 2-year experiment conducted in Hyderabad, Andhra
Pradesh, India, reported that NAA at 100 ppm (51.96) resulted in the earliest
flowering in gladiolus cv. Jacksonvilla followed by TIBA at 50 ppm (53.00). The
growth regulator sprayed at 4 and 6 weeks after planting recorded earlier flowering
than that sprayed at 8 weeks after planting. The longest duration of flowering was
recorded with NAA at 200 pm followed by 100 ppm spray at 6 and 8 weeks after
planting. The maximum spike length (111.31 cm) and inter-floret length (5.66 cm)
were recorded with GA3 at 100 ppm sprayed at 6 weeks after planting. GA3 at 100
ppm sprayed at 6 weeks after planting recorded the highest number of corms per
plant (1.68). The maximum corm weight (53.51 gm) was recorded with NAA at
200 ppm sprayed at 6 weeks after planting. TIBA at 100 ppm sprayed at 6 weeks
after planting recorded the maximum number and weight of cormels per plant
(24.07 and 8.50 gm, respectively).
Ramachandrudu and Thangam (2007) carried out a field study with
different levels of plant growth regulators, cow urine and coconut water and found
that the maximum plant height (65.20 cm) resulted in GA3 150 ppm, whereas
minimum (54.70 cm) was noticed with cow urine (20 per cent) + Kinetin (50 ppm)
followed by cow urine 10 per cent alone (54.85 cm). Treatments of cow urine
(l0 per cent), cow urine (20 per cent) + GA3, (100 ppm), GA3 @ 150 ppm and 100
ppm advanced the flowering (days to spike emergence and flowering) while it was
delayed by NAA (100 ppm and NAA 200 ppm) as compared to control. More
spike length was observed with coconut water 50 per cent (112.5 cm), cow urine
10 per cent (111.4 cm) and coconut water 25 per cent (110.20 cm). Among the
treatments, cow urine at 10 per cent concentration emerged as the best one in
respect of number of florets/spike (12.15), rachis length (41.95) and spike stalk
girth (2.60). There was a significant reduction in duration of flowering in cow
urine (20 per cent) + NAA (100 ppm) and cow urine (20 per cent) + Kinetin
(50 ppm) whereas NAA 200 ppm, GA3 100 ppm and GA3 150 ppm alone
prolonged the flowering duration when compared to the control. Cow urine at 20
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11
per cent (72.50), 50 per cent (75.70) and 100 per cent (78.90) concentrations
greatly improved the number of cormels plant-1
. Bigger size and heavier corms
were produced with cow urine (20 per cent) + Kinetin (50 ppm) compared to
control and other treatments.
Singh et al. (2007) revealed that GA3 treatment at 150 ppm proved most
effective in improving all the floral traits in gladiolus followed by its 100 ppm
application in gladiolus cv. Friendship.
Kumar et al. (2008) found that days to 50 per cent plants to sprout varied
from 9.6 days (GA3 500 ppm) to 38.3 days (control). The maximum plant height
was recorded with GA3 750 ppm (89.8 cm) while minimum with BA 75 ppm
(54.8 cm). GA3 500 ppm recorded early flowering (75.9 days) followed by GA3
750 ppm (79.3 days) and control (133.4 days). Floret diameter was more with GA3
500 ppm (13.9) while it was less with BA 75 ppm (6.5) and control (6.2).
Durability of the spike was more with GA3 500 ppm (19.1 days) while wilting was
noticed much earlier (9.7 days) in control treatment in gladiolus cv. Snow Princess.
Bhalla and Kumar (2008) reported that ethrel at 1500 ppm was the most
effective in causing earlier sprouting and flowering at two locations i.e. Nauni-
Solan and Bhota Hamirpur in Himachal Pradesh. Tallest plants (107.20 cm),
minimum number of days to first flowering (87.37 days), longest Spike (89.13 cm)
with maximum number of florets (19.23) were produced when the corms were
treated with 300 ppm GA3 in February and September (2003) planting.GA3 300
ppm was also found effective in increasing the number of corms per plant (1.84),
corm diameter (6.92 cm) and weight of corms per plant (48.37) during both the
planting dates.
Umrao et al. (2008) reported that maximum values for plant height
(41.50 cm), plant girth (0.59 cm), number of leaves (8.50), width of leaf (1.40 cm)
early color break in basal flower (11.00 days) and longest spike (36.00 cm) was
observed with GA3 @ 150 ppm. Earliest spike emergence (67.00 days) was
recorded with GA3 @ 200 ppm while width of floret (7.20 cm) was noted
maximum in GA3 at 100 ppm in gladiolus cvs. „Vink‟s Beauty‟.
Baskaran et al. (2009) found that corm weight (66.37g) was maximum by
dipping with 200 ppm of GA3 in gladiolus cv. Pusa Jyotsna. Spraying GA3 at 500
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12
ppm resulted in maximum weight (6.14 g) of cormels per plant and maximum
diameter of corms (5.63cm). Dipping in 500 ppm of GA3 produced maximum
volume of corms (75.45 cm3).
Kumar et al. (2009) observed that cultivar American Beauty with GA3 at
125 ppm (corm dipping for 10 hours) recorded less number of days to sprout
(17.00) and 50 per cent sprouting (29.00) of gladiolus corms while control took
26 days and 38.16 days respectively for the similar attributes.GA3 at 125 ppm
recorded highest percentage of sprouting (100.00) in both the cultivars i.e.
American Beauty and White Prosperity.
Jabbarzadeh et al. (2009) noticed that salicylic acid at concentration of
10-5
M increased the number of leaves, the rosette diameter and the number of
flower buds compared to control in two African violet cultivars. However, with
applying SA at concentration of 10-5
M the number of days from planting to
anthesis was reduced in comparison with the control.
Patel et al. (2010) in gladiolus cv. American Beauty in Anand (Gujarat)
revealed that ethrel 200 ppm took minimum days required for spike initiation
while, minimum days required for first flower opening, maximum number of
spikes per plant, spike length and number of florets per spike were obtained with
the application of GA3 at 50 ppm as compared to control, whereas CCC 250 ppm
produced maximum yield of corms and cormels in terms of number and weight per
plant as compared to control.
Singh and Srivastava (2010) reported that maximum days to withering of
first opened floret and flowering duration were observed with Kinetin (150 ppm).
However, ethrel (300 ppm) exhibited delayed flowering, minimum flowering
duration and reduced length of spike characters in tuberose.
Hashemabadi and Mohammad (2010) reported that the maximum fresh
weight of flowers (47.35 g) was obtained with GA3 200 ppm while flower stem
height was highest in 300 ppm GA3 in cut rose (Rosa Hybrida cv. „Poison‟) .The
highest record of flower yield was obtained in 200 ppm GA3 with 192 cut flowers
per year per m-2
. The highest vase life (12.67 days) was obtained when 150 ppm of
SA was applied to cut flowers. Application of 300 ppm of GA3 was found to
increase the stem flower length which produced longest stems (49.33 cm).
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Suman et al.(2011) reported that corm dipping with GA3 @ 100 ppm
proved to be the best for earliest corm sprouting and improved plant height,
number of leaves plant−1
, leaf area plant−1
, early spike emergence, numbers of
spikes, spike length, rachis length, numbers of florets spike−1
, flower duration and
vase life in gladiolus cv. Yellow Frilled.
Singh and Shankar (2011) noticed that height of plant and number of leaves
clump-1
could be enhanced with the application of GA3 300 ppm (51.40cm and
54.73 cm respectively) in cv. Double as compared to control (39.73cm and
31.87cm respectively). Application of 300 ppm GA3 decreased the days taken to
initiation of spike (83.20 days), opening of first florets (94.20 days) and increase
the duration of flowering (18.93 days) compared to control (107.13, 122.27 and
12.80 days, respectively).
Chopde et al.(2012) reported that among three gladiolus varieties viz. Phule
Neelrekha, Phule Tejas and Phule Ganesh, the maximum vegetative growth of the
plant in respect of plant height (70.00 & 70.50 cm) and leaf area (153.27 & 152.74
cm) and spike quality parameters viz. length of spike(107.31cm), length of rachis
(54.93cm) and florets spike-1
(16.13) were found to be maximum with the variety
Phule Ganesh and the plants sprayed with GA3 @ 150 ppm at 30 and 60 DAP.
However, the minimum period for first spike emergence (55.00 & 56.75 days) and
50 per cent flowering (73.25 & 71.00 days) and highest yield of spikes plant-1
were
noticed with GA3 150 ppm in variety Phule Tejas at 30 and 60 DAP.
Sudhakar and Kumar (2012) reported earliest flowering in Gladiolus spp.
cv. White Friendship was recorded with application of GA3@ 150 ppm
(75.15 days) which was at par with its lower concentration at 100 ppm
(75.23 day). Application of GA3 hastened the flowering for about 10 days. The
lengthiest spikes (71.59 cm) and the maximum number of florets per spike (11.52)
as well as flower length (7.18 cm) were obtained with GA3 @ 100 ppm as
compared to rest of the treatments.
Dogra et al. (2012) observed maximum plant height, number of leaves, leaf
width, spike length, rachis length, corm diameter, corm weight and early flowering
with application of 300 ppm of GA3.
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Thiourea 2 per cent and salicylic acid 150 ppm were highly effective in
reducing the number of days taken for sprouting and increasing number of corms
plant-1
over control. TU 2 per cent, SA 150 ppm, KNO3 1.5 per cent and GA3
150 ppm significantly increased sprouting percentage of corms over control and
recorded maximum number of sprouts per corm. The maximum corm size and
weight were recorded with SA at 150 ppm and GA3 at 150 ppm. The maximum
number of big cormels plant-1
and cormel weight was recorded with TU 2 per cent,
GA3 150 ppm and SA 150 ppm (Padamlatha et al. 2012).
Mohammad et al. (2012) reported that SA application significantly delayed
bud anthesis, increased blooming days, total flowers and total flowering days in
„Persian cyclamen’. Although it did not have a great impact on total number of
leaves, but it increased leaf area, relative water content, dry and fresh weight.
2.2. Effect of Cow Urine on Vegetative Growth, Floral Characters, Corm
Production and Quality Yield in Gladiolus and Other Flower Crops.
Josef and Nair (1989) reported that in paddy seed treatment with 5 per cent
cow urine, 10 per cent cow urine, 10 per cent cow dung extract and water recorded
higher germination, shoot length and root length than that of control (unsoaked
seeds) in paddy.
Sankaranarayanan et al. (1994) suggested that tamarind seeds have a hard
seed coat that causes slow and poor germination. Soaking the seeds in 10 per cent
cow urine or in cow dung solution (500 g in 10 liters of water) for 24 h increased
the germination percentage from 37 per cent (untreated controls) to 72.6 and 82.8
per cent respectively.
It is reported that cow urine also contains many hara elements that are
needed by plant, such as: nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, sodium and
others. Among these elements are largely macro nutrients essential to its existence
and it cannot be replaced by other nutrients for plant growth and development
(Phrimantoro, 1995).
Ilango et al. (1999) reported that soaking Albizia lebbeek seeds with cow
urine resulted in significant increase in shoot length, root length, total leaf area and
total dry weight of plants as compared to unsoaked seeds.
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Swamy et al. (1999) noticed highest germination per cent, shoot length and
root length when jamun seeds were treated with cow urine for 24 hours before
sowing in comparison to untreated seeds.
Bhoopathi et al. (2001) at Tamil Nadu on loamy soil observed significant
increase in germination, plant height, number of tillers per clump, internode
number per cane and sugarcane yield under poly bag planting and direct field
planting system due to treatment of sets with cattle urine than untreated check.
Misra et al. (2002) observed that the seed hardening with cow urine
recorded higher germination percentage and seedling length of asparagus as
compared to that of control.
Seed soaking with different agro-chemicals (IBA, IAA, ZnSO4, Succinic
acid, KH2PO4 and cow urine) resulted in increased germination, shoot length, root
length, dry weight of plant and higher leaf area of tamarind seedlings as compared
to unsoaked seeds (Vanangamudi and Vanagamudi, 2003).
Shivamurthy (2005) reported that seed treatment with cow urine recorded
maximum dry matter production (137.05 g/m row length), dry matter accumulation
in leaves (48.68 g/m row length), stem (59.62 g/m row length) and ear head
(28.75 g m-1
row length) at 90 days after sowing in wheat. The treatment also
recorded significantly higher plant height (74.12 cm), number of tillers
(126.08 g m-1
row length) and Leaf Area Index (2.27) at 90 days after sowing as
compared to seed treatment with water and without seed treatment.
Ramachandrudu and Thangam (2008) indicated that cattle urine and
coconut water were found better as compared to synthetic growth regulators in
improving the characters like number of florets spike-1
(12.15 with cow urine 10
per cent), spike length (112.25 cm with coconut water 50 per cent), stalk girth
(2.60cm with cow urine 10 per cent), corm weight (31.70 g cow urine 20 per cent
+ Kinetin100 ppm) and diameter (4.70 cow urine 20 per cent + Kinetin100 ppm)
and cormels production (78.90 plant -1
with cow urine 100 per cent) in gladiolus.
Interaction between cattle urine and growth regulators was also found compatible
and there was no sign of antagonism between them. In fact, more number of florets
spike-1
was recorded with combination rather than growth regulators alone.
Therefore, cattle urine at 10 per cent and coconut water at 50 per cent are
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recommended for commercial application in gladiolus. Considerable reduction in
plant height was resulted in CU + Kinetin 50 ppm, CU 10 per cent (54.85 cm) and
CW 100 per cent than control (60.90 cm). Non-significant result was observed for
number of leaves per plant and it decreased (9.55) than control with use of CU 100
per cent. Among the treatments, more leaves width per plant was recorded in CW
100 per cent, CW 50 per cent and Kinetin 50 ppm, while, it was less with GA3 100
ppm, GA3 150 ppm, CU 20 per cent and CU 50 per cent. A corresponding delay in
spike emergence was noticed as levels of CU and CW increased. The minimum
time for spike emergence was taken by CU 20 per cent + GA3 100 ppm (46.50
days) and CU 10 per cent (47.50 days) than control (52.00 days) and this may be
attributed to the synergetic effect of CU and GA3 .of all treatments, CW 50 per cent
produced larger spikes and was found significantly superior to other but found at
par with GA3 150 ppm, CU 10 per cent, CW 25 per cent CU 20 per cent + GA3 100
ppm and CU 20 per cent + NAA 100 ppm. The maximum rachis length was
obtained under CU 10 per cent, while minimum was in Kinetin 100 ppm when
compared to control. Treatments did not show significantly variation among
themselves for floret diameter. GA3 100 ppm and 150 ppm and CU 20 per cent +
GA3 100 ppm also increased flowering duration, markedly.
Ramachandrudu and Thangam (2009) also suggested that GA3 at 150 ppm
and cow urine 25 per cent produced more number of shoots/plant (3.67 and 3.11).
So, farmers can soak the corms either in GA 150 ppm or cow urine 25 per cent for
24 hours and plant the corms to improve the shoot production in gladiolus.
Richert et al. (2010) reported that human urine application at the rate of 50
liters plant -1
recorded the highest average number of fruits per bunch (185) and the
control (without urine application) recorded 110.3 fruits per bunch in banana at
Musiri (Tamil Nadu.). Among the treatment combinations, application of 50 liters
of urine/plant along with 75 per cent recommended dose of potassium recorded the
highest number of fruits per bunch (223.4), which was 47.7 per cent more than that
applied with mineral fertilizer. Application of 50 liters of urine per plant along
with 75 per cent recommended dose of potassium alone could give an additional
net profit of Rs. 45,175 hectare-1
when compared to mineral fertilizer alone i.e.
normally grown Poovan banana without urine application.
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Khanal et al. (2011) noticed in cauliflower that application of 100 kg N ha-1
through cattle urine significantly increased yield and quality characters as
compared to application of either higher or lower dose of urine. Fifty per cent
substitution of urea by urine produced better morphological, yield and quality
characters than other combinations of urine and urea. The highest curd yield (20.08
t ha–1
), the best result in sensory evaluation and the highest benefit cost ratio (5.84)
were observed by application of 100 kg N ha-1
through cattle urine.
2.3. Effect of Vermiwash on Vegetative Growth, Flowering, Corm Production
and Quality Yield in Gladiolus and Other Crops.
Adams (1986) reported that vermiwash application had a positive effect in
bringing colour to tomato fruits, since nitrogen is the main component for synthesis
of lycopene along with other micronutrients.
Ismail (1997) reported that vermiwash was very effective for foliar
application of nurseries, lawns and orchids.
Buckerfield et al. (1999) reported that weekly applications of vermiwash
improved plant growth and significantly increased the radish yield up to 20 per
cent.
Thangavel et al. (2003) showed that both vermiwash and vermicast extracts
increased the growth and yield of paddy. Maximum plant height (68.5 cm), grain
yield (6.7 t/ha) and straw yield (7.65 t/ha) were achieved with 100 per cent
vermiwash extract.
Sivasubramanian and Ganeshkumar (2004) reported that the vermiwash
spray enhanced the growth parameters i.e. plant height (75.98 cm), number of
laterals (18.17), number of leaves plant -1
(94.30) and leaf area (87.10 cm2) over
control (67.73 cm,15.33, 84.83,and 74.96 cm2,respectively ) in African Marigold in
Tamil Nadu in a pot culture experiment. Yield parameters like number of days to
flowering (40.2 days), number of flowers plant-1
(28.3) and flower weight
(168.30g) was increased due to foliar application of vermiwash. The mean number
of days taken to flower was distinctly low in vermiwash treatment. It was
suggested that extracts from earthworms offer a valuable resource which could be
effectively exploited for increasing the production of ornamentals like marigold.
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Ansari (2008) found the yield of spinach was significantly higher
(5.5 t ha-1
) than control (1.26 t ha-1
) in plots treated with vermiwash (1:5 v/v in
water). The yield of onion was significantly higher (6.48 t ha-1
) than control
(1.83 t ha-1
) in plots treated with vermiwash (1:10 v/v in water), whereas the
average weight of onion bulbs was significantly greater (65.37 g per piece) than
control (29.93 g per piece ) in plots amended with vermiwash (1:5 v/v in water).
The yield of potato (11.67 t ha-1
) and the average weight of potato tubers
(78.85 g per piece) were significantly higher in plots treated with vermiwash as
compared to control (4.02 t ha-1
and 52.51 g per piece, respectively).
Rai and Bansiwal (2008) opined that vermiwash is a nutrient rich liquid
produced by earthworms, feeding on organic waste material and plants residues. It
is also non toxic and ecofriendly, which arrests bacterial growth and forms as a
protective layer for their survival and growth. Vermiwash contains N, P, K, Ca and
hormones such as auxin, cytokinine, some other secretions and many useful
microbes like heterotrophic bacteria, fungi etc. The quality of vermiwash produced
by earthworms depends on the vermicompost that is used.
Gorakh Nath and Keshav Singh (2009) reported that vermiwash
significantly increased growth and productivity and decreased flowering period.
Maximum significant growth was observed in 30 mg/m2 concentration of
combination of buffalo dung with rice bran 38.0 ± 1.3 cm. in case of okra,
30 mg m-2
concentration of combination of buffalo dung with gram bran (seed of
Cicer arientinum) 215.5 ± 5.2 cm., in lobia crops and 30 mg/m2 concentration of
buffalo dung with gram bran 20.4 ± 1.4 cm. The significant early start of flowering
and increase in productivity was found in all treated groups with respect to control.
Venkataramana et al. (2009) studied the influence of foliar sprays of
vermiwash (VW) and cow dung wash (CDW) on leaf yield and leaf attributing
parameters in comparison to control in Mulberry. It was found that the leaf yield
(72600 kg/ha/yr) and yield attributing parameters such as height plant-1
(199.50 cm), length of shoot plant-1
(189 cm),number of branches plant-1
(13.00),
number of leaves plant-1
(155), weight of leaves plant-1
(1.200 kg), leaf moisture
content (73 per cent) and leaf moisture retention capacity ( 85 per cent) were
significantly higher in 200 ppm vermiwash, followed by 200 ppm cow dung wash,
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150 and 100 ppm vermiwash and 150 and 100 ppm cow dung wash treatment in a
descending order.
Tharmaraj et al. (2010) reported that the vermi-product treated plants
exhibited faster and higher growth rate and productivity than the control plants. It
was found that among the treated group, the growth rate was high in the mixture of
vermicompost and vermiwash treated plants, than the vermicompost and
vermiwash un-treated plants in Black Gram. The maximum range of some plant
parameters like number of leaves (33.1 ± 0.21), leaf length (4.1 ± 0.03 cm), height
(9.5 ± 0.42cm) and root length of plant (7.1 ± 0.10cm), were recorded in the
mixture of vermicompost and vermiwash.
Karuppaiah et al (2011) studied the effect of foliar application of organic
nutrients (Vermiwash, Panchakavya, Humic acid and Tender Coconut Water) on
growth, flowering and flower quality of Dendrobium orchid cv. Sakura Pink. The
results revealed that foliar spray of vermiwash 1 per cent at 4 days interval found
to be optimum for flower quality of Dendrobium orchid. Even though
recommended dose of chemical fertilizers recorded higher values in vegetative
growth and flowering characters however, it was on par with the plants treated
with vermiwash 1 per cent at 4 days interval.
Rajan and Murugesan (2012) studied the influence of vermiwash (50, 75
and 100 per cent) on germination and growth of cow pea (Vigna ungiculata) and
rice (Oryza sativa) grown for a period of 25 days and increased vigor index was
found in rice exposed to different concentrations of vermiwash. Growth parameters
were higher in 75 and 100 per cent of vermiwash sprayed in cow pea and rice.
Karuppasamy and Lourdu (2013) observed that foliar spray of vermiwash
in mulberry increased the physical parameters like number of buds, number of
leaves and weight of leaves.
2.4. Effect of Gibberellic Acid and Salicylic acid on Vase life of Gladiolus and
other flower Crops.
Emongor (2004) observed that GA3 at 2.5,5 or 7.5 mg l-1
significantly
delayed flower senescence by increasing the number of disc florets open, delayed
petal fading abscission and reduced the dry matter content in the flower head and
stems of gerbera cut flower. Gerbera cut flower treated with gibberellic acid had
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significantly higher water content in the flower reduction in bent neck and flower
senescence and increased flower quality after 14 days of holding compare flower
held in distilled water.
Namita et al. (2006) revealed that the pulsing of gladiolus spikes with
20 per cent sucrose in combination with Al2 (SO4)3.16H2O (400 ppm) and GA3
(200 ppm) resulted in greater vase life (7.88 day), floret diameter (10.18 cm), floret
longevity (4.28 day) and per cent opening of florets (86.91) over other treatments
in gladiolus cv. „Jacksonville Gold‟.
Kumar and Singh (2007) noticed that that sulfo-salicylic acid (100 ppm) +
sucrose (4 per cent) significantly prolonged the vase life of the cut flowers from
4.80 to 12.00 days due to improved membrane stability in cut flowers. It also
resulted the highest average number of fully opened flowers (12.41 and 12.47) and
lowest mean percentage of unopened flowers (14.65 and 14.98 per cent).
Ezhilmathi et al. (2007) reported that 5-SSA significantly increased
cumulative uptake of vase solution, vase life, number of opened florets and
decreased the number of unopened florets compared to the controls in Gladiolus
grandiflora variety „Green Willow‟. The results suggested revealed that 5-SSA
also exhibited lower respiration rates, lipid peroxidation and lipoxygenase (LOX)
activity, higher membrane stability, soluble protein concentration and activity of
superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. Results suggested that 5-SSA increased
vase life by increasing the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging activity of
the gladiolus cut flowers.
Wei (2009) observed that Salicylic acid could promote water absorption
and prolong vase life of cut flower. The solution which contains 0.5 mMol l-1
salicylic acid could prolong 4 days;1.0 mMol l-1
3 days and 1.5 mMol l-1
2 days
than control. It was concluded that the salicylic acid could regulate water
metabolism and prolong vase life of herbaceous peony cut flower.
Delvadia et al. (2009) found that a single spray of GA3 at 150 and 250 ppm
significantly enhanced the shelf-life of gerbera flowers. These treatments were at
par with each other. The maximum shelf life (72.80 h) was observed when the
plants were subjected to a single spray of GA3 at 250 ppm.
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Hatamzadeh et al. (2012) found that the salicylic acid delayed flower
senescence and leakage of ion in petals, as well as decreased fresh weight loss and
lipid peroxidation. In addition, these treatments also increased antioxidant enzyme
activities of peroxidase (POD) and maintain protein content. The SA (150 ppm)
treatment was the most effective on vase life of cut gladiolus flowers in gladiolus
cv. „Wing‟s Sensation‟. Moreover, the results showed that the postharvest
application of SA (150 ppm) maintained higher spike fresh weight, antioxidant
enzyme, stability of membrane and leading to delay in petal senescence.
Janowska and Stanecka (2011) found that GA3 at concentrations of 50 and
100 ppm extended the post harvest longevity of leaves of gladiolus cultivar „Black
Eyed Beauty‟ by 18 and 11 days, respectively.
Marandi et al. (2011) revealed that within all treatments (salicylic acid,
ajowan, silver thiosulphate and savory essential oils), salicylic acid showed the
best effect on the fresh weight (109.4 per cent), water uptake (9.9 cm3) and vase
life (21 days) of gladiolus cut flowers.
Rajiv et al. (2010) noticed minimum loss in fresh weight (-5.73 g) of spike
at senescence in holding solution of 4 per cent sucrose + acetyl salicylic acid
(200 ppm) in gladiolus.
Elham et al. (2011) resulted from their study that GA3 50 ppm and BA
50 ppm were the most effective treatments on vase life, fresh weight, solution
uptake, membrane stability and total soluble solids of gerbera cultivar „Good
Timing‟. Cytokinine and gibberellins have potential to enhance post harvest quality
of cut gerbera flowers.
Gerailoo and Ghasemnezhad (2011) reported that based on senescence
symptoms, the solutions containing salicylic acid gave a longer vase life for cut
roses than the control. Cut roses that were pulsed for 18 hours in the solution
containing 30 g l-1
sucrose, 200 mg l-1
8- hydroxyquinoline sulphate (8-HQS) and
150 mg l-1
salicylic acid had a maximum vase life of 11 days. Cut roses in the
control treatment had a vase life of only 5 days. It was concluded that salicylic acid
enhanced the vase life of „Yellow Island‟ roses by maintaining a higher activity of
SOD enzyme and reducing oxidative stress damages.
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Kazemi et al. (2011) observed in carnation cut flowers that the vase
solution containing 3 per cent sucrose with 1.5 mM salicylic acid significantly
decreased bacteria populations, lipid peroxidation rates, ACC-oxidase activity and
proline accumulation in vase flower preservative solution. However, it increased
vase life and SOD activity of lisianthus cut flower compared to the control. Results
suggested that 3 per cent sucrose with 1.5 mM salicylic acid increased vase life by
decreasing lipid peroxidation rates and ACC-oxidase activity and increasing
enzyme antioxidant activity.
Iqbal et al. (2012) evaluated hormones (IAA, NAA and SA) for increase in
quality and shelf life of zinnia cut flowers .Maximum water uptake 150.7 ml was
observed at IAA @ 150 ppm and maximum vase life of flower 11.33 days at SA @
50 ppm. The maximum percentage of flower color and physical appearance
(67 per cent excellent) was recorded with NAA @ 100 ppm; however, maximum
structural integrity (67 per cent excellent) was recorded under SA @ 150 ppm for
good quality and better vase life in zinnia cut flowers.
Mashhadian et al. (2012) found that application of salicylic acid (SA) and
citric acid (CA) increased vase life, petal water content ( per cent), initial fresh
weight ( per cent) and marketability, significantly. The highest vase life
(21.77 days) was observed for the treatments of SA (300 ppm). The significant
increase (300 per cent) in vase life is considered to be due to plant regulating and
anti-stress properties of SA and CA.
Negar et al.,(2012) reported that gibberellic acid (0, 25, 50, 100 ppm) and
benzyladenin (0, 10, 30, 50 ppm) on Alstroemeria cut flower production increased
vase life and longevity of cut flowers in 16th day. However, in control flowers
vase life occurred earlier than other samples. GA3 solution had the highest effect
on longevity, chlorophyll content and superoxide dismutase activities in leaf and
flower samples.
Kumar and Gupta (2014) revealed that the physiological parameters viz.
daily elongation, days to elongation of cut-spike, length & diameter of floret, water
uptake and loss, quality parameters of spike showed increased response with pre-
soaking and foliar spray of GA3 100 ppm followed by its combination at higher
concentration i.e. 200 ppm in gladiolus cv. Jessica. The bio-chemical parameters
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that signify the longevity and advances of petal senescence such as water soluble
protein, total protein, reducing sugar, total carbohydrate, starch, phenol, total
anthocyanin and carotenoid were investigated and increased water soluble protein,
reducing sugar, total carbohydrate and total anthocyanin and carotenoid contents
whereas, decreased starch and phenol content under pre-soaking and foliar spray of
GA3 100 ppm were observed.
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CHAPTER- III
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The present investigation entitled “Effect of Plant Growth Regulators,
Vermiwash and Cow Urine on vegetative growth, flowering, corm production
and vase life of gladiolus var. Candyman” was carried out and the details of
materials and methodology adopted in the experimentation during the course of
investigation are briefly presented in this chapter:
3.1. Location of the Experimental Site
The present investigation was conducted at Horticulture Farm, Department
of Horticulture, College of Agriculture, Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya,
Raipur (C.G.) India during rabi season of the years 2011-12 and 2012-13.
3.2. Geographical Situation
Raipur is situated in the central part of the Chhattisgarh plains and lies
between 17°.46‟ to 24°.5‟ N latitude and 80°.15‟ to 84°.24‟ E longitude at an
altitude of 289.56 meters above mean sea level.
3.3. Agro-Climatic Condition
The general climate prevailing in the district Raipur, Chhattisgarh is sub-
humid to semi-arid with annual rainfall varying from 1200 to 1400 mm. Most of
the rains (about 85 per cent) are received between the middle of June to end of
September and rest of rains occurs during post monsoon and winter season. The
maximum temperatures during summer reach as high as 42-46°C and minimum
temperatures during winter may go down to 7-9°C. The atmospheric humidity is
high during July to October months.
The meteorological data during crop period for year 2011-12 &